Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionnydd
About
Walk Leader: Catherine N
• Distance: 6.6km / 4.1miles
• Meeting point:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WwCX7tgX4ibsvyBD8
/ What3Words: ///memes.tweed.blasted • Pace: Gentle, mindful, inclusive. Nobody left behind!
This walk takes in 2 beautiful lakes, forests and caves. We'll take our time to spot wildlife and enjoy being present in nature. Please read the route description and check out the route and photos on the Komoot page here:
https://www.komoot.com/tour/2818942104
We will begin our walk from the free Natural Resources Wales carpark (link above) where there are toilets and picnic tables.
For the purposes of describing the route, I have split it into 4 legs.
Leg 1: Car park to highest point.
We will leave the car park and walk around the bottom of Llyn Geirionnydd (lake). We’ll then begin to ascend over the “shoulder” of Mynydd Deulyn – the hill separating the two lakes. Underfoot, we’ll walk along stoned forest tracks and informal but distinct rocky paths which will be muddy in places. This section will feel a little steep in places but we will take it at a slow pace with plenty of rests. The ascent will take us around 30 minutes from lake to our highest point, where we’ll enjoy spectacular views over to our second lake, Llyn Crafnant.
Leg 2: Descent and Llyn Crafnant
The descent follows distinct but rocky and muddy paths which are well-trodden. Poles may be helpful here as it can be slippery when wet, and there are some large steps down to take. We then join the low-traffic road at Llyn Crafnant and walk along flat, tarmacked road for around 30 minutes. There are toilets available at the end of the road.
Leg 3: North of Mynydd Deulyn.
We leave the road and take a short, uphill walk along a formal, stoned forest track. We then leave the track and follow a short, rocky path including a step-over stile to the entrance of the quarry hole. If the group feels comfortable to do so, we will have a quick look in. The quarry hole is accessed either through a short tunnel (I’m 5’2 and had to stoop over slightly) which takes less than 2 minutes to walk through, or overground which involves a couple of big steps up (we will help each other here!). We won’t walk far into the quarry hole but it’s an incredible sight and makes for great pictures. The quarry hole and tunnel are frequently accessed by the public and are fully open. We then leave the cave and continue through a pretty woodland. The path here is distinct but becomes rougher, rockier and muddier and you will need to take care with placing your feet and may need to use your hands to steady yourself due to some big steps down. No uphill sections, but the path undulates. We then leave the woodland and walk briefly (10 mins) uphill, navigate a ladder stile and reach the tip of Llyn Geirionnydd.
Leg 4: Shore of Llyn Geirionnydd to car park.
We drop down to the lakeshore and navigate a muddy patch before joining the woodland path. Here it’s muddy and rocky but level. We’ll walk across a small gravel beach and then join the “trickiest” section of the walk, taking around 10 minutes to navigate. Underfoot there are slippery tree roots and rocks, so you will need to be confident with placing your feet – don’t worry, we will take our time and help each other. There is a small rockface to clamber down, and you will need to use your hands. I found it easy to face the rock and go down backwards. From here, it’s level and even underfoot to the other end of the lake. There’s a small patch of mud (and a tree to step over, if it’s not been cleared), then we are back at the car park!
❣️Good to know: The car park can get busy, especially on sunny days. I would recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment if you can! There is little to no phone reception along the route, so please download anything you might need before you arrive. If you have any questions about the route, please feel free to reach out!
🧭 Komoot Route:
https://www.komoot.com/tour/2818942104
🚗 Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pSCPRfuQ9pnuFk6Z8
⭐ This walk is for plus-size people of all genders. No strict size limits, but if you're under a size 18/2XL, please consider whether this space is the right fit.
🚾There are toilets at the start and mid-way point, with plenty of spots for wild wees too.
🐶Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Please be aware that this is a popular route so there will be children and other dogs around, and some steep, rocky sections to navigate.
🥾 What to bring: Walking boots or walking shoes - the route is muddy, slippery and wet in places. Warm layers + waterproofs, water + snacks. We won't stop for a dedicated lunch break, but feel free to join me for food at the picnic tables back at the carpark.
All our walks are volunteer-led. If your plans change, please cancel your space by changing your event status to "not attending" to open up the space.
👋🏻 About Every Body Outdoors
Every Body Outdoors are fighting for clothing, gear, and representation for larger/plus-size bodies in the outdoors movement in the UK, so Every Body can feel safe and welcome on the hills, trails, lakes, and more. We are working with brands and retailers to improve the availability and fit of plus size outdoors clothing and kit, whilst also providing online and in-person opportunities for our community to gain skills and confidence and meet other plus size outdoors lovers
We have a code of conduct (
https://www.everybodyoutdoors.co.uk/s/Code-of-Conduct-EBO.pdf
) that we expect all event attendees to adhere to, and you will be asked to agree to this when you register. 🔎 The small print
Walking is an outdoor activity that comes with risks. You are responsible for your safety at all times when on an Every Body Outdoors walk.